No abstract

Following correction of a partial atrioventricular canal and closure of the atrial septum defect with a Dacron patch a severe hemolytic anemia developed caused by moderate mitral insufficiency. The clinical postoperative course and the successful treatment by reoperation is described in detail. The Dacron patch was excised, the mitral cleft was closed by four single sutures, and the septal defect was covered with a pericardial patch. In the literature ten other communications were gathered reporting hemolytic anemias following correction of endocardial cushion defects with Dacron, Teflon, or Ivalon patches. Three of six reoperated patients died postoperatively. A woman died after correction with renal failure caused by severe hemolysis. In four patients hemolytic anemia was compensated and there was no need for reoperation. In consideration of our own experience and those reported in the literature we recommend pericardium instead of synthetics for closure of atrial septum defects of Foramen-primum-type.